Mom, You Matter Too: 7 Ways Busy Moms Can Stop Running on Empty

Being a mom means remembering everything.

Appointments. School projects. Grocery lists. Therapy schedules. Work deadlines. Dinner. Laundry. Permission slips. Birthday parties. Bills. And somehow, while keeping everybody else’s life moving, we are also supposed to remember that we are actual human beings who need care too.

If you have been searching for self-care tips for busy moms, this is not going to be another article telling you to book a spa weekend, take a two-hour bubble bath, or wake up at 4:30 every morning.

Most moms do not need another unrealistic task added to the list.

We need permission to make ourselves part of the list.

1. Stop Waiting Until Everyone Else Is Taken Care Of

One of the easiest ways for moms to become overwhelmed is believing we can focus on ourselves once everything else is finished.

But when is motherhood ever completely finished?

There will always be another load of laundry. Another email. Another appointment. Another dish in the sink.

Instead of waiting for the perfect opening, intentionally create small spaces for yourself throughout your week.

Your needs do not have to become important only after everyone else's have been met.

2. Give Yourself a 15-Minute Reset

Self-care doesn't always require an entire afternoon.

Sometimes it is 15 uninterrupted minutes.

Sit outside with your coffee. Read. Pray. Journal. Stretch. Listen to music. Walk around your neighborhood. Turn your phone over and enjoy some quiet.

Fifteen minutes may sound small, but consistently making time for yourself is how you begin rebuilding the habit of checking in with YOU.

Ask yourself:

How am I doing? What do I need today?

Moms ask everybody else those questions. Start asking yourself too.

3. Protect Your Morning Energy

You do not have to wake up and immediately give the internet access to your mind.

Before checking Facebook, Instagram, email, or the latest drama, give yourself a few minutes of peace.

Try starting your morning with prayer, affirmations, a devotional, music, journaling, or simply sitting quietly while drinking your coffee.

The goal isn't creating a picture-perfect morning routine.

The goal is deciding that everybody else does not get access to you before you have had a moment with yourself.

4. Stop Measuring Your Motherhood Against Social Media

Somewhere online is a mom meal-prepping seven dinners, homeschooling four children, maintaining a spotless kitchen, working out at 5 AM, running a six-figure business and making homemade bread.

Good for her.

That does not mean you are failing.

Social media gives us snapshots. Motherhood is an entire life.

Your household, children, resources, schedule and responsibilities are different from everyone else's.

The goal is not becoming another mom.

The goal is becoming a healthier, happier version of yourself.

5. Celebrate What You Actually Accomplished

Busy moms spend a lot of time thinking about everything we didn't finish.

Flip that around.

What DID you accomplish today?

You got everybody where they needed to go.

You worked.

You made dinner.

You handled an appointment.

You paid a bill.

You advocated for your child.

You walked even though you were tired.

You said no to something that would have drained you.

Those count.

Sometimes progress looks less like checking off an enormous goal and more like keeping your life moving during a difficult season.

6. Build a Support System Before You Need One

Motherhood was never meant to be completely isolated.

Find women who understand the season you are in.

That could be another working mom, another entrepreneur, another special-needs mom, another woman over 40 rebuilding her life, or simply someone who understands that some weeks are harder than others.

Community does not mean everybody has the same story.

It means you have somewhere you can say, "This week was a lot," without needing to explain why.

7. Remember the Woman Outside of "Mom"

You are somebody's mother.

But you are also still you.

You still have dreams.

You still have goals.

You still deserve friendships, laughter, fitness goals, financial goals, hobbies, travel plans, quiet mornings and exciting new chapters.

Motherhood is part of your identity. It does not have to erase everything else.

This week, choose one thing that has absolutely nothing to do with what somebody else needs from you.

Do it because it makes you feel alive.

Your Mommy Monday Challenge

Before this week ends, choose three things:

One thing you will do for your body.

One thing you will do for your mind.

One thing you will do for your future.

Write them down and put them somewhere you can see them.

You do not have to completely reinvent your life this Monday.

You simply have to start showing up for yourself again.

Ready for Accountability?

If you are ready to stop setting goals and forgetting about them two weeks later, come join us inside The Fierce Lab™.

We focus on the different areas of wellness that make up your whole life—from physical and financial wellness to emotional, social, spiritual and personal growth.

You don't have to work on everything at once.

You just need to start.

Join The Fierce Lab™ and let's start becoming intentional about the life we're building.